G is for Gastropod.
Sometimes, I have a great photo and I have to search for a word. More likely, a great word pops into my brain and I have to find the photos.
This week's word didn't actually pop into my mind. It was sort of just...there. Waiting. And, since I like snails and slugs, I know that there will be at least one great photo to share. But, look! I have two of each. This is a local - and very common - snail tucked into a leaf of hellebore right in our front garden.
And, from much further away: we found this snail hanging out on a rail at the University College Cork in Ireland. They do look quite different.
Slugs are not everyone's favorite animal, but this leopard slug from Salt Spring sland is very pretty. In a sluggish sort of way.
And, closer to home: a Banana slug just doing its best to clean up the forest floor. I really do like these forest creatures.
However, I am not so fond of the common garden slugs that eat the tender green plants. As you can see, I have NO photos of them.
I have to agree with you, Stephanie. Slugs may have a certain ick factor for me, but I am compelled to watch their slow progress whenever I see them. I have never seen a leopard slug.
ReplyDeleteMy puppy brought in a snail shell yesterday with what appeared to be a dried snail husk. I soaked it in water hoping to soften it and clean it out more easily but no such luck. I tossed it back outside. He'll probably bring it in again. Hah.
Love your nature photos, as always. Also love the knitted skirt and am looking forward to seeing it when you are finished!
ReplyDeleteImagine my surprise on this post when I thought you'd be writing of gastro PUBS! I kind of like that black and white specimen. It's beautiful, but sadly seems to lack camouflage!
ReplyDeleteI have never read a post on slugs and snails. Loved the one from Cork! Is he edible, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteI had three African snails given to me, which were lovely pets. Very found of snails, not overly sure about slugs! If I find them near my plants they win themselves a short trip to next door's chickens...
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest, I'm not a fan of the slimy ones. Although I also won't pour salt on them as some do!
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